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In the past week, my drive from Los Angeles, CA to Dallas, Texas took a long three days while traveling through desert land, mountains and dust storms. It made it think about the early pioneers who traveled this same region without highways, rest stops or the large food/gas stations.

A pioneer has the courage, the ambition to overcome the obstacles that always develop when one tries to do something worthwhile, especially when it is new and different.

I became a “pioneer” at the age of sixteen years old. That was the day that I decided to stretch my own imagination for something better. I wanted to challenge myself to do something that required me to cut my own trail that was different from others.

Becoming a pioneer has a price of not following the easy path that so many people want to take in life.

It means finally deciding to go for your dream or maybe even stepping out and making a real work change that requires some risk.

If you are to become a real pioneer – here are some important steps to consider:

A Pioneer Journey Has Risk:

To go for something better, you must be prepared to tackle the elements of the journey – the goal is to get there and enjoy the benefits of change.

“It took the early pioneers – six hard months to cross the 1,500 miles through scorching summer heat, choking dust, food and water shortages, rutted roads and very hazardous mountain trails.

Death took its toll with disease, drowning, accidental discharge of firearms, trampling by frightened livestock, and of course, by Indian and wild animal attacks.”Source

Dreams are Driven by Real Determination – you must remain focused on reaching the destination

“One choice is to spend today frustrated that you’re not making any steps towards that goal.

The other choice is to focus on what you need to do today to win tomorrow.” ~Seth Godin

Losers make promises they often break. Winners make commitments they always keep ~Denis Waitley

The Way of the Pioneer is Always Rough But Has Huge Payoffs

Pioneers don’t let discouragement stop their progress. There are great stories of hardships, trials, and tribulations, but at the same time, there’s an huge number of stories about wonderful successes and great achievement.

As we live our lives today, sometimes it’s all too easy to forget those early pioneers who have gone before us. They paved the new path across every state in the United States. They laid the first logs or bricks in our towns, and who were the first to bring new life to uncivilized places.

Take a moment to imagine what life was like for these early pioneers. As you do, ask yourself, could you do it? Are you doing it now in your career, community, or are you playing it safe?

My Point:

Remember – a pioneer has the courage, the ambition to overcome the obstacles that always develop when one tries to do something worthwhile, especially when it is new and different.